English summary: DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA (DLBCL)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the sixth most common cancer in Finland. Approximately 1000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The most common NHL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), accounting for 30-40% of all NHLs. The clinical presentation and response to treatment are heterogeneous, and knowledge of the correct diagnosis, disease stage, performance status and LDH level are required to predict outcome and direct therapy. DLBCL is an aggressive disease, which can only be cured with CHOP-like chemotherapy in 50% of cases. However, a significant improvement in survival has been obtained by combining a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab, with chemotherapy (immunochemotherapy). Dose intensification has also reduced the risk of recurrence and death. If DLBCL relapses some patients can be cured with immunochemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation.